Hartalika Teej Varat

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hindu blog-Hartalika Teej

Hartalika Teej Vrat Hartalika Teej Vrat is an important ritual performed by Hindu women. The ritual is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is observed in Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. In some places, the Vrat is a three day affair but nowadays many women only observe the Vrat on a single day. In 2009, Hartalika Teej Vrat is on August 23. This ritual is observed as Swarna Gowri Vratam in South India. In Nepal, this Teej is of great significance and is observed for three days and ends with the Rishi Panchami pooja. By observing the ritual, unmarried women believe that they will get a husband like Lord Shiva. Married women believe they will be blessed with a good family life. Origin of Hartalika Teej Vrat According to Hindu Mythology, Shiva took no notice of the love of Parvati for very long time as he was haunted by the death of Sati. To get the attention of Shiva, Parvati performed severe austerities on the Himalayas for several years. Some Puranas indicate that Goddess Parvati did penance for 16 years and survived on grass and fruits. Finally, Shiva acknowledged Parvati's devotion and love and agreed to marry her. Women observe Hartalika Teej Vrat in remembrance of Parvati's deep determination to win over her love. It is believed that Goddess Parvati will be pleased with those women who observe the Vrat. There are several regional variations in the Hartalika Teej Vrat myth. But the essence is the same. Even today, many married women and unmarried women observe `nirjala vrata' (severe fasting even without water). A grand feast is held after the fast in all houses. On the day, women wear green clothes and bangles which signify luck. Fresh fruits and green vegetables are offered to Parvati. Rice patolis, sweets and numerous delicacies are prepared on this day. Delicacies made out of coconut are a specialty. How to Observe or Perform Hartalika Vrat? Hartalika Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and it is believed that those unmarried women who observe this fast will be blessed with good husbands and those married will have a happy married life. A strict fast by women (nirjala vrata) is the order of the day. On the Hartalika Vrat day, the idol of Goddess Parvati is decorated with fresh clothes and a pandal (small puja house) is made from banana bark and leaves. Today, most people prefer to observe the vrat in their usual pooja rooms and do not bother to create a pandal. A Shivling made from clay is placed along with Goddess Parvati. Listening or reading stories of Goddess Parvati and Shiva is considered auspicious.In the evening, special Aarti is performed on the idols. After the Aarti, relatives and friends join in traditional singing and dancing. Fresh fruits and vegetables are offered to Goddess Parvati. Some people make special delicacies from coconut. Women dress up beautifully on the day by applying mehndi. Green is the most preferred color. New jewelry and new clothes are specially reserved for the day. In certain areas, married women visit their houses and observe the fast with parents. The fast is broken on the next day morning.Please note that if you are taking medicines or are suffering from any diseases, it is better to avoid strict fasting. Take the advice of the doctor, if you are so interested in observing the fast. Happy Hartalika Teej !!I Miss this day very much